build together: 130+ simple ideas to foster community where you live
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Action is the antidote to despair. It's cliche but true, especially when we take action with others.
So much is changing about the world that many of us have taken for granted. Sometimes it feels like the floor is falling out from underneath us and everything is collapsing. That’s kind of right, but that doesn't mean we should give up trying to build something better in its place.
This newsletter and community are all about rebuilding connections through community action and civic engagement. That means we must go about fixing this big mess with friends.
But where do we start? What does that actually look like? The answer will be unique to your community. Your contribution will be most effective and rewarding if you decide how to move forward after reflecting on where your unique skills, past experiences, and interests intersect.
I created a list of over 130 simple ways to build community where you live. They're categorized by types of activity to help you focus on what resonates with your heart and soul.
Opportunities to build community are endless, so this list is just a starter guide to brainstorm ideas specific to your neighborhood or town. A few of my favorite ideas include:
Bring a welcome basket to a new neighbor.
Start a skill swap or barter board.
Set up a tool library or equipment co-op.
Organize a voter registration drive.
Organize a park or stream clean-up.
Build a pop-up gathering spot in an underused area.
Create a community memory map.
Organize a neighborhood babysitting co-op.
Host civic education nights.
Make a reading list of community-building books.
Start a “shop local” campaign.
Fundraise for neighbors in need.
Organize a music night or talent show.
Shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk.
Host a DIY art night with recycled materials.
Organize a quiet “read-in” at a park or library.
Set up a rain barrel demo or composting workshop.
Host a language exchange or ESL conversation group.
Paint sidewalk hopscotch or kindness messages.
Make a “mini-museum” box with local history or kid art.
To download the entire printable list, drop your email in this form, and the list will pop into your inbox momentarily.
In addition to the list, you'll be part of the Sage Neighbor community on Substack where you can connect with other organizers, activists, event planners, and community builders who strive to achieve similar goals in their towns and neighborhoods.
In comments and through community chats, share ideas and tips with each other to help make the most of your efforts and build on the work of others. Even though we're all making connections in our own neck of the woods, we're all in this together. 💛
P.S. If you want a list of tiny ways to resist and fight back on your own, this list from The Resistance Garden is great!
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